Citrus × paradisi
grapefruit
A spiny, evergreen tree to 4m tall, with ovate leaves to 10cm long. From late spring to summer it bears fragrant, white flowers to 2cm across, these are followed by slightly flattened, spherical, yellow-skinned fruit. Grapefruits are best grown in a cool or temperate greenhouse or conservatory and moved outside during the summer months
Synonyms
Citrus × paradisi
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | Yellow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Yellow | |
| Autumn | Green | Yellow | ||
| Winter | Green | Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Citrus are typically evergreen shrubs or trees, frequently spiny, with simple, leathery, aromatic leaves, usually with winged stalks, and often fragrant white or pink-tinged flowers, followed by large, juicy fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of loam-based potting compost (JI No. 2) with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring. Sow seed at 16°C in spring; seedlings do not come true to type
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
- Bedding
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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